*When are you leaving?
I am leaving the US on May 6 and returning May 18. (I will be going away April 29 for a trip back east. I should be back in Portland on May 19. I will be gone about 3 weeks.)
*How long will you be in Iraq?
We will be in Iraq from May 8 to 18, 10 days. We will be arriving through Amman, Jordan, and visiting sites in Baghdad, and perhaps Basra or northern Iraq.
*Who are you going with?
I am going as a part of a delegation from Voices in the Wilderness (ViTW), a Chicago-based organization which has sent over 40 teams into Iraq since 1996 with medicine to help families, particularly children.
I am going with a man from Connecticut, Chris Doucot, and a woman from Missouri, Chrissy Krichosser; we will be joined by members of ViTW/UK and Veterans for Peace. The Veterans will be working on ways to improve the water purification systems in Iraq.
*Why are you going-why now?
I previously went to Iraq on Voices' 8th delegation in November 1997--nearly 5 years ago. Since then, very little has been done to improve the lives of ordinary Iraqis. In the meantime, the US has made it clear that they plan to launch a new, massive military on Iraq within the year to force a "change of regime." What they do not mention is the hundreds of thousands who have died as a result of US policy--the sanctions and bombings--nor the thousands who stand to lose their lives should such an attack take place. We need to bear witness and bring attention to the ordinary people whose lives are a blip on the media radar screen.
*Is it illegal to go to Iraq?
Technically, yes. Voices could get permission from the US government but we don't. What's more risky is taking the medicines in without a permit--we could face 12 years in jail and a million dollar fine.
*Why do it then?
As with most acts of civil disobedience, Voices is driven by a moral imperative to violate laws to expose their inhumanity. In "speaking truth to power," the members of Voices inform the government before each trip that we are going, and that we oppose the development of all weapons of mass destruction, whether nuclear, chemical, biological, or economic.
Also, I hope to set an example for those who are frustrated with the "usual" forms of protest to turn that frustration into creative, positive energy that can make a difference.
*What local groups are supporting this trip?
Voices in the Wilderness/Portland is the main local organizing group (http://www.rdrop.com/~vitwpdx). American Friends Service Committee is providing logistical support in terms of email notices (voicespdx@yahoo.com). While other organizations I work with will help with the educational aspect of my trip after my return, they are not sponsoring or endorsing it.
*Will your videos be taken away again?
I doubt that will happen. Last time it took me 2 and half years to get my tapes back in a lawsuit settled by the Center for Constitutional Rights, the ACLU of Michigan, and the Customs Dept.. However, the government's relenting out of court indicates they do not think they could make a case to seize First Amendment materials as "goods or services of Iraqi origin."
*What if I want to make a financial contribution?
Friends of Voices in the Wilderness/Portland and Voices in the Wilderness (Chicago) are _not_ non-profit organizations. At this point, neither one is contributing toward my expenses, but both can always use money.
I came into some money late last year (when a company I was given stock in as a child disbanded) which came at an opportune time to make this trip, which will cost about $1600 for travel expenses.
*What do you hope to accomplish?
Now is a crucial time to educate people about the situation in Iraq.
The US launched the most comprehensive economic blockade in the history of the world in 1990 against Iraq for invading Kuwait. Subsequently, the US led the most intensive bombing campaign ever, destroying the entire infrastructure of Iraq--water treatment and electricity plants were main targets. In December, 1998, four days of intense attacks caused more damage, and over 100 bombings in the "no-fly zones" since then have killed over 300 Iraqis and injured many more.
I am going to witness the conditions after 11 years of sanctions, and to come back to bring more people into the movement to end this silent war against the people of Iraq, and to oppose further military action. The numbers of dead are unknown, but conservative estimates say that 350,000 people have died as a result of sanctions--more liberal estimates are over one million. To me, one person dying for lack of food or medicine as a result of political choices (particularly after such destruction) is too many. In short, I hope to do anything I can do to bring an end to the suffering.
*How can I arrange to have you speak to my group?
You can call the Voices/Portland voicemail at 503-299-4798.
*Are you scared?
No. I'm very honored to be able to go and see the people I've been trying to help for 11 years. I am looking forward to seeing some of the people and places I saw in 1997. I am proud to be a part of a tradition of making change through non-violent action.
*What about the increased airport security?
Voices has sent a number of delegations since September, and none have reported any problems.
*Are you going to cut your hair?
Alas, this will be necessary.
*Other questions:
*Dan Handelman *Voices in the Wilderness/Portland
*(503) 299-4798
*vitwpdx@agora.rdrop.com (don't forget--while I'm gone, use voicespdx@yahoo.com)